First WDW trip - NO RIDES?!?!?

[Pmctn]

Can he ride the bus, monorail, or boats? You may have to park at the Contemporary and walk over.

 

[CamoMama]

There are so many things to do that are not rides, it's ridiculous.

Animal Kingdom: Finding Nemo the musical, Festival of the Lion King, Flights of Wonder, It's Tough to be a Bug, Maharaja Jungle Trek (walk through) Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, midway games at Dino Land, you might get him onto the Kilimanjaro Safaris, because while it is a ride, it's just a truck that you ride through the habitats in.

Hollywood Studios: Fantasmic!, Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt show, Beauty and the Beast Live, the American Idol Experience, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Muppet Vision 3-D, Walt Disney: One Man's Dream (don't miss that), Disney Animation classes, Honey I Shrunk the Kids movie set, Jedi Training Academy, and again, you might get him on the Great Movie Ride, it's just a tram through movie sets that gets "hijacked" by mobsters or bandits and it's awesome.

Epcot: At the Seas the aquarium is amazing and I could have wandered around staring at the aquatic life for hours, Turtle Talk with Crush (even as an adult it's fun to watch), Circle of Life at the Land, along with the Livin' with the Land ride, which again is just a boat that floats through the sustainable foods areas, very cool and escapable, Illuminations, Innoventions, Captain EO, National treasures, the American Adventure and all of the other videos in each of the World Showcase pavilions, Chinese Acrobats (amazing), British Revolution (British cover band from the Beatles to the Kinks, really cool), Jammitors (band with a janitor gimmick that perform at certain times near the front of the park, really neat to watch), the Mariachi band at Mexico, Mo'Rockin at the Morocco pavilion (belly dancers!), and of course you can always take the Drink Around the World Challenge!

MK: Mickey's Philharmagic (don't miss, it's great), Country Bear Jamboree (a favorite from my childhood), Celebrate a Dream Come True parade, the Hall of Presidents, the Shooting Arcade, Monsters Inc Laugh Floor (don't miss, really fun if you get picked on), Swiss Family Treehouse walkthrough, the Tiki Room, Carousel of Progress, and the new Sorcerer's of the Magic Kingdom interactive game.

Not to mention Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue dinner show, Spirit of Aloha dinner show, Pirates and Pals fireworks cruise, Mickey's Backyard BBQ and all of the just plain fun dining experiences like Prime Time 50s Cafe, Sci-Fi DIne In Theater, Biergarten, the Rainforest Cafe, T-Rex, etc.

 

[mom2rtk]

Do you by any chance have a fear of automatic flushing toilets?

Hmmmm...... that was my first question as well.

 

[Hannathy]

Can he ride the bus, monorail, or boats? You may have to park at the Contemporary and walk over.

Yeah I was thinking that. Guess they must be driving and was wondering how they would get to the MK.

 

[flortlebap]

I can't help but think you should be vacationing elsewhere...

 

[tstidm1]

I'm not a thrill ride person and there is still a ton to do there. See some of the lesser known attractions like Universe of Energy (it's a ride, but very smooth and a good time filler at 45 minutes long) or Great Movie Ride (only scary element is the Aliens scene). All Ears.net has some good articles about the lesser known attractions at Disney World broken down by park. Carefully read the attractions and if you have questions ask in the Ride it or skip it thread.

 

[lbklyn]

this is exactly why I Love Disney. Aside from the roller coasters (which I can not do) I do not think of them as rides really. POTC is more like a story you go through. As well as so many other "rides". He may very well go on ALOT more than he thinks he will at this time. Have a Great trip!

 

[jamelynn24]

Downtown Disney has a lot of live music with nearby drink vendors! Grab a margarita and hang out for the night! We also love seeing Yee Haw Bob at Port Orleans Riverside. He's there Wed-Sat nights in the lounge. We spent three nights at his shows last Sept...he's a blast!! A definite must-do for us every trip!

 

[kelleigh1]

Can he ride the bus, monorail, or boats? You may have to park at the Contemporary and walk over.

You can't leave your car at a resort to visit a park unless you are staying at that resort.



Glad I read through the entire thread to see that he's not against all rides. It sounds like he'll be fine on most rides and just won't be interested in the same ones that I usually avoid. I'm not much into thrill rides either.

I would also love to do Richard Petty, but it's a rather hefty price and with what I'm already paying for the rest of Disney, I can't justify it so it's unlikely I'll ever do it.

 

[tigerdragon]

And to the poster that asked if it was ALL rides - it's not. Just coasters, drops like the Tower of Terror - Thrill ride types. Calmer rides like Pirates, the Monorail, the Jungle Cruise... these will be a piece of cake. Typing that out made me realize my post title was misleading, sorry all!

This is how my DH was on our honeymoon. We went to Busch Gardens and I had to ride all the roller coasters myself. It wasn't until we had DS and went on our first trip to WDW that he got over that feeling of not having control and wanted to do the bigger rides. He was determined to do everything as a family and loosened up a lot. Now he's the one who wants to do things like RNRC and Everest. Maybe once your boyfriend gets there he might want to do things with you like that.

I wonder if he suffers from motion sickness. That was part of the issue for my DH and now he takes Dramamine before we go to a park.

 

[fla4fun]

I am another person who doesn't like thrill rides, and I find plenty to do at WDW. In fact, sometimes I'll spend a long weekend at one of the WDW resorts and not go to the parks at all.

On my last trip, I spent one day hitting all the theater type attractions in MK (HOP, COP, CBJ, Tiki Birds, etc.) followed by a couple rounds on the peoplemover and POC. That was a great MK day for me.

At Epcot, take some time to check out Innoventions and try to catch all the live shows in WS. I like SSE at Epcot, and Soarin' (which is a ride, but not a thrill ride), but I spend most of my time doing other things. If he doesn't like the feeling of being out of control on rides, Test Track may not be his thing. My sister used to laugh and say that was the way Dad drove, but Dad hated the ride because he wasn't in control of the car.

Is he interested in any of the recreational pursuits, like renting boats or bikes, tennis, etc.? I like the surrey bikes, especially at the Boardwalk where you can ride them in the big circle.

If all he is avoiding are thrill rides like coasters and TOT, then you should find plenty to do.

 

[Mousemommy1]

I can't help but think you should be vacationing elsewhere...

I agree. Based on the list of things that the OP either doesn't want to do
Or won't do it would seem like you are wasting your money at Disney.

 

[Pmctn]

I agree. Based on the list of things that the OP either doesn't want to do
Or won't do it would seem like you are wasting your money at Disney.

It's not about money. It's about control.

 

[addicted2dizney]

you're not married? as a DW with a DH who does NOT like to go to the parks I say RUN and Run now!! It took you 5 years to get him there? Make this a test trip to see how he does, If he makes your time miserable don't tie the knot anytime soon! Being you found the dis, this is something you are passionate about. Take it from someone who has been taking her kids there without DH for many years. It's just easier for me, but not the ideal situation. If it's just the trill rides he won't go on, that's cool. Many people don't do them. If he's worried about going on small world, skip the trip and get him a therapy appointment! I hope it all goes well for you and he falls in love with the place. Just make sure you go on the rides YOU want to go on. You can sit him on a bench with a Mickey bar a few times during the trip so you are happy too.

 

[pwdebbie]

While you do EE, he could go watch Flights of Wonder (although it is the most disappointing bird show I've ever seen). Or he could go get himself a Safari Amber beer (there are others to choose from also) at the Dawa Bar.

You'll find lots of places to sit and rest a while. A great place at AK is to take the trails at the base of the Tree of LIfe that most people don't seem to know about. You will see an assortment of animals and there are nice benches throughout that area. There are two or maybe three trails to take and you should research that before you go because I've even had CMs tell me that there are no trails around the Tree of Life.

In Epcot, there seems to be great places to sit and relax in many of the countries.

In MK, you can go to what was once the loading dock for the swan boats right next to the rose garden.

In HS, I really can't think of place except maybe around Echo Lake.

In AK, there is quite a bit of interactive music. One takes place right next to the Dawa Bar. Festival of the Lion King is our don't miss show.

In Epcot, it sounds like he would love Biergarten -- beer and show. If he is strictly Bud, then I don't think he'll get that there, but there is a good assortment of German beer to choose from. Of course, you need to get the meal also, as this is a buffet restaurant. Also, there is Off Kilter over near Canada. (Ok, maybe women are more into them?) There's a British band playing oldies at UK. And a Mo Rockin' at Morocco (Ok, maybe men are definitely more into this band).

Off hand I can't think of any must dos in MK or HS in terms of acts or shows. But I'm sure others will have something.

There is a huge selection of beer everywhere EXCEPT in MK. But why drink Bud when you can experience so many other unique beers at WDW? I'm not a beer drinker but dh enjoys different beers throughout the parks and resorts. WDW is his chance to get what isn't available around here.


Because of our age and dh's disability, we have a very adult relaxing vacation. We don't lack for things to do. I'm sure you will be fine. While you say he won't get on "rides" bear in mind that not all attractions are like amusement park rides. Kilimanjaro Safaris and Backlot Tours are both open vehicles. He wouldn't be able to get on and off at will, but he would also not feel closed in. Enjoy your trip! Major on "being together" and not so much on "we can't do this because of him." Believe, I've been there and decided that it wasn't worth ruining the trip for. Hint -- If your man is like mine, do NOT take him on Soarin'.

 

[SolitaryPhoenix]

I also don't do many rides at WDW, but love going all the same because my whole family -including me!- can enjoy being there. I'm actually a DVC member. and we go pretty often, in fact, I have a camping weekend planned for FW the first weekend in June, and a full week at the end of June at AKL (my most favorite place on the planet!) for my 50th birthday.

I have a question about EE - it was mentioned earlier that you can do the queue and use the 'chicken' out. It looks SO cool, and I'd love to see the interior, but I have a fear of getting swept along and HAVING to do the ride! I've never actually gone in just to check the interior out and leave - do you just tell them at the beginning? Thanks!

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

I think WDW could be a perfect trip for you! I would not classify WDW as a thrill ride type place really - big thrill ride lovers might get a lot more thrill rides elsewhere. I think Disney is all about the magical ambiance, the storytelling, the shows and rides are there but I don't see thrill rides as the main event at WDW. So I think you'll have more than enough to do!

DVC resorts are very comfortable - you will have a nice pool, poolside bar - ENJOY!

Not to miss - the fireworks shows at MK, HS, and Epcot!!

If you will be there at a hotter time of year - seek out air conditioned shows and attractions. Waiting in a queue inside can be a lifesaver on a hot day so good to know where the inside queues are located. I think he can get a Bud at Epcot, HS, and AK - or there is definitely Amber Ale at AK.

AK - the shows Nemo, Lion King and It's Tough to be a Bug, are great and air conditioned. Flights of Wonder is a show about birds that is very entertaining - it is outside but shaded. The Safari is good too. Also the train to Conservation Station if he is into the subject at all is interesting - and also in an air conditioned building. If he likes river rafting rides there is Kali river rapids. The walking tours are good if he is in the mood to walk - there are not long walks in my mind. (Only thing he might not like would be EE)

Epcot - most everything is not a thrill ride - think he could do most anything there and that is a huge park.

HS- lots of street entertainment here if you catch them - lot's of shows - Little Mermaid, Indiana Jones, Backstage Tour, Beauty and the Beast, Muppets, Lights, Motors, Action Stunt Spectacular. I really liked One Man's Dream - a short film and exhibition about Walt Disney. He might like Toy Story Mania too - definitely not a thrill ride but a little spinny or jerky - but totally fun as it is an arcade game and you shoot targets. (Really only two thrill rides here- Tower of Terror and Rockin Roller Coaster - everything else is mild.)

MK - again most everything you could enjoy - lots of everything! Stay away from Space Mountain, may be Splash Mountain if he doesn't like log ride drops. He could enjoy the People Mover, Buzz Lightyear (another arcade type ride) and Carousel of Progress if you wanted to do Space Mountain.

 

[RobDIS]

Are you renting a car to avoid riding in buses or the monorail?

Ah, just read your update. Sounds like he is a bit scared of the more intense rides and uses the control thing as a way to save face. Disney coasters are on the mild side. If he is feeling brave, BTMRR is the tamest of the mountains IMO.

 

[NJRRK]

By the Sci-Fi Dine In there is a shaded sitting area. I'm not a huge fan of HS so that's all I can think of right now.

 

[DisneyKim68]

I completely disagree with those who say you shouldn't go to Disney! I am NOT a ride person, AT ALL, but I LOVE Disney! I know people who love the rides have a hard time believing that someone can have fun without riding any thrill rides, but trust me, I can and I do! Even my family tells me they feel bad thay I don't ride much, but I keep telling them it I'm fine, it bothers you, not me! I just totally love being in the parks, the parades, and just generally soaking up the Disney atmosphere, lol! That being said, I do ride a few things, HM, POTC (though the drops do terrify me!) teacups on occasion, TSMM, Buzz, etc. But if it lifts me off the ground or drops me, forget it!